Mendy Mirocznik is the president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A web site intended to be a "one stop shop for everything Jewish on Staten Island" currently is under construction.

At a recent meeting of the board of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), a hot topic of discussion was the need for effective communication with the entire Jewish community on the Island. The board wants to inform the public about the many services and resources on the Island that are provided by synagogues and other Jewish organizations.

Under the leadership of COJO President Mendy Mirocznik and executive director Bracha Cabot, a web site with this information is being developed by Scott Kalmikoff and his Communications Committee of the board.

"I hope that the COJO web site will become the one stop shop for everything Jewish on Staten Island," Kalmikoff said. "There is so much going on in the Jewish community, but so few people know about it. We want to reach out to the Jews across the borough and across the city and let them know that Staten Island has a thriving Jewish community."

The web site and a Facebook page will provide people with information about the Island Jewish community such as a full list of upcoming events and contact information for organizations and businesses.

"If you are looking for a synagogue, Hebrew school, summer camp or kosher butcher, the COJO website will provide you with all of the information you need," Kalmikoff said. For information, call the COJO office at 718-720-4047 or email cojosi@aol.com.

Ms. Ackerman will talk about the topic of rebirth and renewal and there will be a children's activity at the 7:30 p.m. event. Fruit and refreshments will be served at the event co-sponsored by Ohel's Project Hope, which has assisted many victims of Hurricane Sandy.

"The reason why we celebrate Tu B'Shevat is that it represents the hope and strength that we have during old man winter's challenging season," said Rabbi Yochanan Ivry of Toras Emes.

"In Israel, this is the time when trees start to bud their leaves and even in colder climates, the trees roots begin their absorption of water.

"This is the reminder that although on the surface things seem lifeless, there is a rebirth and renewal process that occurs beneath. It's interesting that the cold snow and ice also serves as a protective layer for the earth to rejuvenate."

For information about the synagogue located at 3151 Hylan Blvd., call 718-668-5228 or email rabbiivry@gmail.com.

OHEL ABRAHAM

Hebrew school/Sunday school will re-commence on Jan. 5 under the guidance of Sabrina Saltz at Congregation Ohel Abraham in Mariners Harbor.

Rabbi Mark Ben Aaron will officiate at services held this Friday at 7:30 p.m. The temple is located at 136 Amador St. For information, call 718-698-7515.